Method for establishing winding lead wires for windings supported on magnetic cores

ABSTRACT

Method and apparatus for automatically establishing winding leads for windings supported on magnetic cores and anchoring such winding leads. Also disclosed are means and method for conveying one or more cores to a first conveying means, e.g., a carriage movable in shuttle-like fashion between dwell positions. Carriage includes means for supporting a core and moving same to and from transporting means such as a turntable or turret that includes core supporting means. First conveying means also can include a second carriage. Winding shoes may be selectively transferred between the carriages and turntable that moves them to a high speed winding station.

United StatesPatent [wt Mason [75] Inventor: Lowell M. Mason. Fort Wayne. lnd.

[73] Assignee: General Electric Company, Fort Wayne. 1nd. 1 122] Filed: Nov. I4. I973 [21] Appl, No: 415.503

Related U.S. Application Data [621 Division of Ser. No. 189.616. Oct. 15. 1971. Pat, No.

U.S. Cl 29/596; 29/205 D. 242/1.1 R Int. Cl. H02k 15/02 Field of Search 29/596. 598. 605. 205 R. 29/205 D'.242/l25.2. 1.1 R, 1.1 E; 336/192 156] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.251.559 5/1966 Moore 242/l.1 R 3.408.734 11/I968 Leah) ct ul. 29/596 3.467.324 9/1969 Peters 242/11 R 145] Apr. 29, 1975 3.555.477 l/l97l Hildebrand! 336/192 3.585.716 6/1971 Steinke 29/597 3.685.119 8/1972 Geber 29/205 D 3.693.906 9/1972 Robinson 242/1252 Primary Examiner-Carl E. Hall Arlorney. Agent. or Firm-Ralph E. Krisher. Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT Method and apparatus for automatically establishing winding leads for windings supported on magnetic cores and anchoring such winding leads. Also disclosed are means and method for conveying one or more cores to a first conveying means. cg. a carriage movable in shuttle-like fashion between dwell positions. Carriage includes means for supporting a core and moving same to and from transporting means such as a turntable or turret that includes core supporting meansv First conveying means also can include a second carriage. Winding shoes may be selectively transferred between the carriages and turntable that moves them to a high speed winding station.

3 Claims. 13 Drawing Figures PATENTED APRIL 2 1975 3,879,8n1

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SHEET 2 0f 8 PATENTED APRIL 29, 1975 3379,

smzm u of 8 PATENTED :APRIL 29, 1975 3, 5379,5 41

SHEET 5 of 8 PATENTED APRIL 2 1915 3,879,8H1

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SHEET of 8 PATEN'IED APRIL 29, 1975 3,879,8u1

SHEET 8 of 5 PIC-1J2 1 METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING WINDING LEAD WIRES FOR WINDINGS SUPPORTED ON I MAGNETIC CORES application. The entire disclosure of said application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to methods for performing predetermined wire handling procedures on segments of windings supported on magnetic cores.

In the manufacture of electromagnetic devices. and. more particularly. in the manufacture of dynamoelectric machines. diverse appartus and methods have been devised for handling magnetic cores and for developing or placing winding coils along winding turn accommodating regions of such cores. However. in recent years it has become of increased importance to devise new and improved methods whereby coils may be developed and terminated at ever increasing speeds.

With reference, for purposes of discussion. to salient pole magnetic cores. (one exampleof which is illustrated and described in my US. Pat. No. 2,934,280 which issued Apr. 26. i960 and is assigned to the assignee of the present application) one approach has involved supporting a core at a winding station and utilizing a device that has been variously referred to in the art as a winding nozzle, winding gun. nozzle assembly. or winding gun assembly. to generate winding turns about the salient polar projections of such cores.

It has been recognized in the coil winding art that an effective increase in winding or turn generation speeds may be realized by substantially simultaneously generating two spaced apart winding coils. However. at higher speeds. increased difficulty in accurately disposing individual winding turns has usually been experienced. Accordingly. it will be understood that it would be desirable to provide new and improved means and methods for rapidly. efficiently. and automatically handling cores and providing windlng's thereon. One problem that has been asociated with prior approaches has been related to the efficient and accurate determina-.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Consequently. it is an object of the present invei-ition to provide improved methods-for effecting the desirable features and overcoming the difficulties mentioned above in connection with the manufacture of' electromagnetic devices.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide improved methods for automatically providing leads of a predetermined length for a winding coil.

A further object of the present invention is to provide new and improved methods for anchoring lead wires relative to a wound core assembly.

In accordance with one form of the present invention I have provided methods for carrying out the above and other objects. Illustrated apparatus includes first conveying means. for example. a carriage movable in shuttlelike fashion between a plurality of dwell positions and the carriage includes core positioning means. Also illustrated is a core transporting means such as another conveyor. The first conveying means includes a second carriage movable between at least two dwell positions. A first dwell position is in proximity to another conveyor that is illustrated as a turntable. The second dwell position is remote from the turntable so as to avoid interfercnce between the turntable and second carriage during movement of the turntable. Winding shoes may be selectively transferred between the carriages and turntable at the same time as the cores.

in the practice of my method. in a preferred form. I establish winding lead wires. after placing windings on cores. by intercepting strands of wire; pulling the strands to establish at least two distinct strand segments; and clamping and severing such segments. The preferred method may also include the step of anchoring at least one segment with an adherent material. Apparatus ofa preferred form for practicing such method includes. disposed in the general vicinity of a winding station. means for automatically establishing winding leads; and means for anchoring winding leads when desired.

The particular details and interrelationships of various parts of the exemplified apparatus. as well as steps of preferred methods; may be better understood from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The subject matter which I regard as my invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention itself. however. together with further objects and advantages thereof may be better understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals identify like components. and in which:

FIG. I is a front pictorial view of apparatus (with parts removed and parts broken away) of a preferred form for practicing my preferred methods;

FIG. 2 is a pictorial side elevation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1'.

FIG. 3 is an oblique pictorial view of the apparatus of FIG. I, somewhat modified. and showing the relationship of automated core handling means to the apparatus of FIG. 1'.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view ofa latching mechanism utilized during operation of the apparatus of FIG. I;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of one portion of a drive train and control system of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of another portion of a drive train and control system of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of still another portion of drive train and control means of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and. more particularly. is representative of a means suitable for driving a pair of shuttle conveyan or carriages;

FIG. 8 is a somewhat schematic side elevation showing the relationship of the carriages of FIG. 7 to a turntable. and other conveyor means of the apparatus of no. t;

HO. 9 is a plan view of a portion of the apparatus shown in H6. 8;

PK]. 10 is a somewhat schematic view. with parts in section. parts broken away. and parts removed. to show the relationship between a cariage. a winding shoe. and a latching device of the turntable. all of which are also schematically represented in H0. 8;

FIG. ll is a somewhat schematic, perspective representation of means for determining the length of a lead wire in a preferred form; and

FIG. [2 is a somewhat schematic. perspective representation of means for determining the length of a lead wire in a preferred form. and

H6. 13 is a representation. in perspective. ofa mechanism shown in phantom in FIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODlMENTS ln order to disclose the principles of my invention. new and improved apparatus capable of practicing the inventive method are illustrated in the drawings for use in connection with the manufacture of magnetic cores of the type that may be utilized in electromagneticdevices; for example. stators for use in dynamoelectric machines. The particular dynamoelectric machine cores illustrated in various ones of the drawings are particularly adapted for utilization as the cores in salient pole series motors. However. it will be understood that the illustrated equipment could also be utilized in the fabrication of shaded pole. or distributed wound. or other types of motors as well as other general types of electromagnetic devices.

One specific type of salient pole motor is illustrated in FIG. 2 of my previously issued US. Pat. No. 2.934.280 which is referenced hereinabove. Salient pole motors have. of course. been long known in the art and such motors are shown. for example. in Annis U.S. Pat. No. 2.923.873 which issued Feb. 2. I960; Thomas U.S. Pat. No. 2.556.013 which issued June 5. l95l;and Doherty U.S. Pat. No. 2.560.560 which issued July l7. 1951. Long available textbook references also show and thoroughly describe salient pole motors. including those of the universal type. For example. salient pole motors are described and illustrations thereof are provided at pages 266 through 273 ofa textbook reference titled "Fractional Horsepower Electric Motors" by Cyril G. Veinott'. the second edition of this particular reference having been published in l948 by the McGraw-Hill Book Company. lnc.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. l-3. the apparatus. generally denoted by the reference numeral 20. is arranged so that pairs of separate magnetic cores 32 may be substantially simultaneously handled and processed during an operational cycle of the apparatus. lt should be understood. however. that various features of the invention and advantages resulting thereform may be attained even though apparatus and methods embodying the teachings herein are arranged to handle less or more than the number of articles chosen for purposes of exemplification.

With reference now to FIG. 1. the apparatus includcs a manual conveyor 21. a shuttle conveyor 22, transporting means illustrated as turntable 23, a winding station in the vicinity of the location of the numeral 24; winding lead determining means. part of which has been generally denoted by the reference numeral 25'. and an adherent material applicating means generally denoted by the reference numeral 26. The lastnamed means includes material supporting tubes 27 as well as an adherent material heating device 28.

Turning now for the moment to FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that the apparatus 20 may be provided with conveying means such as an endless conveyor 29 having core retaining receptacles 31 thereon rather than conveyor 2!. When the conveyor 29 is utilized. unwound cores 34 may be loaded onto empty receptacles 31 in the vicinity of loading station 33. sequentially moved into position overlying the shuttle conveyor 22 and loaded by the shuttle conveyor onto the turntable 23 previously mentioned.

Then. at the end of an operational cycle. after winding turns have been assembled with one or more cores. the shuttle mechanism transfers the wound cores 34 back to the receptacles 31 adjacent thereto. At that time. the conveyor 29 will again index two unwound cores 32 into proximity with the shuttle conveyor 22. Operation of the conveyor 29 (that is. movement of the conveyor) is timed to correspond to appropriate intervals during the operation of the apparatus 20 under the control of conveyor drive shaft P. Shaft P in turn is driven by the mechanisms located internally of the apparatus 20 all as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

Although any suitable means may be utilized to position the cores 32 in the receptacles or carriers 31 of the conveyor. one useful means is to provide core retaining ribs 36 so that cores 32 are retained in a desired position relative to the receptacles 31. When using conveyor 29. it is preferred to provide stop means. such as the plate 37 to insure that wound cores are separated from a core carrier on the shuttle conveyor 22 and de' .posited into waiting empty receptacles of the conveyor Still having reference to FlG. 3. the apparatus 20 includes a control panel 38 having various precautionary ad control buttons and switches thereon for actuating various parts of the apparatus or starting and stopping "continuous cycle operation. For example. buttons 41 and 42 may be used to start and stop operation of the apparatus. Enclosed within control box 43. as will be understood by persons skilled in the art. are various electrical circuit breakers. logic circuits. and counter mechanisms or other counter modules that may be utilized to program the operation of the apparatus 20.

Operation of the apparatus 20. as viewed in FIG. 3. may be substantially continuous with an operator loading unwound stator cores onto the conveyor 29 at the loading station 33 and either manually unloading wound core assemblies from the conveyor at station 44 or from the tray 46. Tray 46 may be used. for example.

when automatic means such as a pneumatic cylinder or mechanical linkage are utilized to expel wound core assemblies from the carriers 31 into the tray 46.

With reference again now to FIGS. l and 2. the conveyor 29 has been removed in order to clarify a description of other parts of the apparatus and to also show an alternative conveying means 21 that may be used to move unwound cores to and away from the shuttle conveyor 22. As will be better appreciated hereinafter. the conveyor 2i is hinged as at 47 to the supporting structure and may include means (e.g., a core locating and supporting pin upon which cores may be manually positioned when the table 2] is in a raised position (as may'be better understood for FIG. 8).

After cores have been manually loaded onto the loading pins of conveyor 21, the conveyor 2I is manually moved to the position thereof as shown in FIGS. I and 2. Thereupon, shuttle conveyor 22 moves the cores toward the turntable 23 and transfers the cores from the pins ofconveyor 21 to the pins I84 ofturntable 23.

' While cores are being so transferred, mating pairs of winding shoes may also be moved together by, if desired, the shuttle conveyor 22 (as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter).

When the conveyor table II is uutilized, it is desirable to also provide a pair of manual "start buttons as shown at 48 so that, after unwound cores have been moved into proximity with the shuttle conveyor 22, an operator of the apparatus will be required to use both hands in order to start an operational cycle of the apparatus 20.

The apparatus 20 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 also differs from the apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 3 in that an additional safety device has been shown in the form of a cover 49 in FIG. I. This cover hides the motor 39 (which is clearly revealed in FIG. 3.

Also clearly revealed in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a supply of disposable paper 51 and a supporting shelf 52 along which lengths of paper SI may be supported. This provides an easily disposable receptacle (paper 51) for excess adherent material that may drip thereon during operation. It should be emphasized, however. that utilization of paper SI and the provision of supporting shelf 52 and various other structural details described herein are mentioned for purposes of completeness of disclo sure although they are not vital for satisfactory and efficient operation of the apparatus 20.

With reference to FIG. 2, it will be seen that banks of solenoid relay valves and pneumatic air line connectors may be conveniently mounted on the side SI of the control box 43. Furthermore, while four separate supplies of wire (copper or aluminum) have been shown in the form of wire spool enclosing dispensers 52, other winding material and dispensing means could be used.

Now having reference to the adherent material applicating means 26, such means includes a stationary frame 53 supported by the main frame of the apparatus 20. However, supported for independent movement relative to the frame 53 are a pair of independently movable tube supporting carriages S4, 56. Under the action of pneumatic cylinder 55 and another now shown pneumatic cylinder, the carriages 54, 56 are movable relative to and independently of each other.

By way of general explanation, the not shown pneumatie cylinder and cylinder 57 are operated in sequence so that a length of liquefiable adherent material (such as. e.g., VERSALON polyamide resin as marketed the by Chemical Divison of General Mills Corporation of Kankakee, Ill.) may be advanced from the tubes 27. Initially, a preselected amount of the adherent material has been extended beyond the supporting tubes 27 as shown at 57 by spring detents carried on carriage 54 as cylinder 55 is actuated. Then the supporting tubes 27, under the action of the not shown air cylinder are moved toward the rear of the apparatus 20 (to the left as viewed in FIG. 2) so that the adherent material projecting from the ends of tubes 27 is brought into proximity with heater elements of the heating device 28. Thereupon, the adherent material liqucfies and drips downwardly toward wound core assemblies positioned thereunder. The relative positions of the wound core assemblies in the winding station 24 are correlated with the melt and drip position of the tubes 27 so that the liquefield VERSALON resin or other selected material drips against and anchors (when hardened) lead wires to the wound core assembly.

Still having reference to the adherent material applicating means 26 and FIG. 2, a preselected quantity of adherent material is advanced from the end of the tubes 27 as indicated at 51 by holding the carriage 56 stationary and advancing the supporting carriage 54 and short supporting tubes associated therewith to the right as viewed in FIG. 2. As will be appreciated from an inspection of FIG. 2, the tubes supported by the carriage 54 are each provided with a small notch or opening through which the resinous material is exposed and through which spring fingers carried by the carriage 54 engage the adherent material. This prevents the adherent material from moving to the left (as viewed in FIG. 2) relative to the carriage 54. Thus, by controlling the amount of movement of the carriage 54 to the right relative to the carriage 56, a preselected and controllable amount of adherent material is advanced from the free end of the tubes 27.

The not shown pneumatic cylinder previously referred to is utilized in order to dispose the ends 57 of the adherent material away from the heating means 28 except during the time that adherent material is to be applied to the lead wire ofa wound core. This is accomplished, in the apparatus exemplified in FIG. 2, by actuating the cylinder for carriage 56 and moving carriage 56 to the left to thereby move the ends 57 ofthe adherent material into proximity with the heating means. Thereafter, the tubes and carriages are retained in the position corresponding to the positions thereof shown in FIG. 2.

The mode of operation and driving mechanisms for parts of the apparatus 20 will now be described in conjunction with FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 of the drawings. FIG. 5 depicts means by which smooth, precise and yet high speed operation of winding gun assemblies 453, 454 may be attained. The output of motor 61 is coupled through a shaft 62 to a two speed transmission generally denoted by the reference numeral 63. Power from transmission 63 is then supplied, through an electromagnetic clutch, to shaft A by shaft 64,pulleys 66, 67, and timing belt 68. Reciprocation of the winding nozzles 68, 69 of the winding gun assemblies is then accomplished by means of two pairs of conjugate cams. cam followers and shafts. For purposes of Simplifying the disclosure these cams, etc.. have been illustrated as the single simple cam 7I, spring biased cam follower 72, shaft R and linkage 73. At this point. it should he mentioned that in the drive trains schematically illustrated in FIG. 5 as well as in other drive trains to be described hereinafter, simple cams and biased cam followers have been used to schematically represent conjugate cam systems for the purposes of illustration However, for precise and accurate high speed opcration,conjugate cams would be preferred in actual practice.

Operation of the apparatus herein, with respect to the actual winding of stator cores, is substantially the same as that described in my previously issued US. Pat. No. 2,934,280 insofar as the winding nozzles reciprocate axially back and forth through the core, and at the end of axial travel in each direction. the winding nozzles turn or twist through an angle. During the first portion of axial travel, a segment of wire is drawn axially through the core. Then the twisting movement of the winding nozzle lays an end turn segment of wire across the face of the core; after which another sTde turn segment is developed by the axial movement by the winding nozzle as it moves back through the core, all as is well-known and now well established in the art. The oscillatory motion of nozzles 68. 69 is schematically depicted by arrows 402, 403, 404, and 405 in FIG. 5. The "slots" of the core that receive the winding turns are best shown in FIG. I. These slots, denoted by reference numeral 400, are. however, somewhat hidden by the insulators 401 that are used to line or insulate the slot walls.

The relative position of cores 32, turntable 23, and winding nozzles 68, 69 will be best understood by comparing FIGS. 1, 2, and 12. It will be appreciated from FIGS. I and 2 that the cores 32 are supported by the shoes 149 which in turn are held in fixed positions relative to the turntable 23 by latches I41, 142.

These latches I41, 142 are in turn secured to and carried by shafts 146 that are carried by the turntable 23. These structural members and relationships thereof are clearly shown, for example. in FIGS. 4, 6, and 8', as well as in FIGS. l and 2. Winding gun assemblies 453, 454 are best shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. Moreover, FIG. 12 reveals the relative physical location of nozzles 68, 69 (which are at one end of assemblies 453, 454 as shown in FIG. wound cores 22l, 222 (which would be located adjacent the front face of turntable 23 as best indicated in FIGS. I and 2); and a lead pullerr 229 wich includes a puller support 234 (the puller support 234 is also clearly revealed in the left hand portion of FIG. I; and the lead puller 229 is in line with and actuated by cylinder 223 which is clearly shown in FIG. 2).

The arrangement of parts shown in FIG. I2 make it clear that the winding nozzles 68, 69 come to rest well "behind" turntable 23 after winding operations on cores have been completed.

Still having reference to FIG. 5, the rotational movement ofshaft A is transformed, by means of the cam 71 and follower 72 to an oscillating motion of shaft R. This motion in turn is transmitted to bar 73, link 74 and thence to the winding gum assemblies 53, 54. The winding gun assemblies 53 and 54 are supported in not shown guides carried by the frame of the apparatus and thus the assemblies 53 and 54 are constrained to reciprocate in a substantially straight line as a result of the oscillating forces transmitted thereto through the bar 73 and linkage 74.

It will be appreciated, that with high speed operation of the winding gun assemblies 53 and 54 (e.g., when the winding nozzles 68 and 69 are reciprocating at speeds of I000 strokes per minute and higher) inertial forces of relatively high frequency will result. To counteract this, I have also provided a reciprocating dead weight illustrated as a mass 76 suspended from a shaft 77 by a bar 78 which in turn is connected to a cam follower 79. During operation, the mass 76 is oscillated in a direction substantially opposed to the direction of movement of the winding gun assemblies 53, 54. The resultant effect is to reduce vibrations within the apparatus 20.

I have also provided means for oscillating the winding nozzles 68, 69. Preferably, this means is. in the form of one or more members telescopically movable relative to the winding nozzle tubes 81, 82. In the form shown in FIG. 5, the telescopically movable parts comprise gears 83, 84 that are rotatable about the longitudinally extending axis of the nozzle tubes 8], 82, and that permit, by reason of the splines. relative axial movement between the gears 83, 84 and the winding noule tubes 8i, 82. Of course, although bearings have not been illustrated, suitable bearing supports from the frame of the apparatus are provided for the gears 83, 84 and shafts of FIG. 5.

Power is transmitted toward the gears 83, 84 from the shaft A by means of the bevel gears 86, 87; shaft B and cam 88 to cam follower 89 and driving bar 9'] on shaft D. Motion is transmitted from the driving bar 9] through the slider block 92 to a gear segment 93 supported for oscillation by shaft C. During operation. as shaft A rotates, the bar 9] oscillates and. through slider block 92 and its associated driver pin 94, causes the gear sigment 93 to oscillate about shaft C, the axis of shaft C and B being offset as indicated. Also as revealed in FIG. 5, it is preferred to make the driving radius of segment 93 relative to shaft C adjustable. Thus. by adjusting the radial position of pin 94 relative to the shaft C (by adjusting nut 96) oscillations of different arcuate extent for gear segment 93 may be accomplished. By this means, the arcuate extent of the oscillations of winding nozzles 68 and 69 can be readily adjusted and controlled.

Referring once again to shaft A in FIG. 5, it will be noted that I have provided a brake disc: 97 and pneumatically operated brake shoes or pucks 98. At the beginning of operation of the apparatus 20, the brake shoes 98 are released from the disc 97; the two speed trnsmission 63 is shifted so that the shaft 64 is driven at an initial low speed, with the electromagnetic clutch associated with the transmission 63 engaged. Thus, from an initial rest position, the winding gun assemblies are oscillated and rcciprocated for an initial time interval at a relatively low speed so as to minimize the inertial forces associated with acceleration of the winding nozzle assemblies from a rest position. Any suitable mechanisms such as an electronic time delay or counters disposed in the control cabinet 43 are used to shift the transmission 63 to high speed operation after the winding gun assemblies have started moving (normally after or within the first few strokes of the winding gun assemblies). Once the transmission 63 has shifted to high speed operation, the winding gun assemblies are oscillatd and rotted at high speed until a suitable counter indicates that nearly all of a desired predetermined number of winding turns have been developed by the winding nozzles 68, 69.

Thereupon, the transmission 63 is shifted to low speed operation and, as the counter indicates that the final turn of a predetermined total number of winding turns are being developed, the transmission clutch is de-energized. Then, as the winding nozzles 68, 69 approach a preselected position in their path of oscillating and reciprocating travel, the brake shoes 98 are energized to substantially instantcously stop the movement of the driven mechanism depicted in FIG. 5. Suitable means that may be used to signal actuation of the brake shoes )8 are one or more proximity sensors actuated by a flag on one of the shafts of FIG. or by a portion of the winding gun assembly.

Turning now to FIG. 6. there is shown a schematic representation of one arrangement for indexing the turntable 23 and for selectively actuating means carried by the turntable and driven through a rack and gear arrangement. Such means are utilized as latches and will be described in more detail hereinafter in connection with FIGS. 4. 8 and I0.

As clearly revealed in FIG. 6. the motor 39 drives. by means of timing belt I01, a worm I02 locked for rotation with timing belt pulley I03 to shaft F. interposed between worm I02 and timing belt pulley 103 is a not shown electromagnetic clutch so that driving power to the worm I02 and succeeding parts of the drive train can be interrupted without de-energization of the motor 39, The drive train of FIG. 6 is utilized to intermittently rotate the turntable 23 on bearing supported shaft M and to intermittently raise or lower the rack I04 (or another not shown rack also carried by the indexing turntable 23 and located diametrically opposite from the rack I04).

First having reference to the rotation imparted to shaft M. it will be observed that the worm I02. through worm gear I06. drives shaft G and. through a Geneva mechanism 107, drives shaft H one-quarter of a revolution for each revolution of shaft G. The one-quarter revolution ofshaft H is, however. translated to one-half a revolution (180) ofshaft M through the gearing I08. Thus. for each revolution of the shaft G. the shaft M and thus turntable 23 is indexed I80".

As the turntable 23 is indexed. a pin I09 interconnected with the rack 104 (or a pin substantially identical to pin I09 and located I80 therefrom on turntable 23) moves between the jaws III of linkage II2 which is supported on shaft N. Then. as shaft N is rocked in a first direction, the pin I09 drives the rack in a first direction. e.g., upwardly as viewed in FIG. 6 to rotate the gears ll3. Movement of gears I13 is effective to open latches as will be described hereinafter. After the latches open, the linkage II2 dwells while a core is transferred to the turntable 23.

After a desired number of cores are transferred and supported on pins (see FIG. 2) ofturntable 23, the linkage II2 is again actuated in a direction opposite to its initial direction of travel to thereby drive pin I09, rack I04. and gears 114 to close the latches. The oscillation or driving motion and dwell periods of the linkage H2 is determined by a conjugate cam pair and cam follower which. for simplicity. have been illustrated as the cam I14 and follower I15. The rocking and dwell motion of cam follower I15 is transmitted through shaft 0 and linkage I16 to shaft N and then to the bar I12.

Turning now to FIG. 7, a schematically illustrated driving arrangement is there shown for driving the carriages I16 and H7 ofthe shuttle conveyor 22. The desired movement for the carriage I16 and II? is a substantially straight line motion with the carriage II7 first moving generally to the right as viewed in FIG. 7 along the horizontally extending guide rods II8 to an initial dwell position; then moving from the initial dwell position through a stator core pickup position and to a second dwell position more closely adjacent to the turntable 23; and then moving to a third dwell position with the carriage I17 spaced from the turntable 23.

While the carriage I17 is in the third dwell position. the turntable 23 will move unwound stator Cores transferred to the pins I84 lhereof(front the pins 182 ofcarriage I17) to the winding station previously described The turntable also moves wound stators (with lead wires anchored thereto when desired) to the transfer location. Upon arrival of wound core assemblies at the transfer station, the carriage I17 will move from the third dwell position thereof to a fourth dwell position more closely adjacent to the turntable and then return to its initial dwell position. The carriage lI7 will, how ever. deposit wound cores on pins 176 or other suitable means on the conveyor 21 while in transit to the initial dwell position thereof.

The carriage 116 is alternately moved between a first dwell position as shown in FIG. 8 and a second dwell position located more closely adjacent to the turntable 23.

These modes of travel of the carriage I16 and I I? along guides. represented by the guides H8. is accomplished by power derived from the drive shaft G de scribed previously in connection with FIG. 6. Secured to shaft G (in addition to a Geneva driver for driving the conveyor shaft P as previously discussed) is a bevel gear I21 as shown in FIG. 7. This gear drives bevel gear 122. shaft J. and cams I23 and I24. Through the fol lowers I26 and I27, the cams I23. I24 drive the shafts L and K. respectively.

Welded. keyed, or otherwise secured to the shafts l and K are crank arms I28 and 129. respectively, which through mechanisms (such as links I3] and I32 st cared to any suitable means such as clevis blocks I33. I34, respectively) drive the carriages II6 and 117.

With reference now to FIGS. 8 through It. 7. I and 4; the operational and structural interrelationship be tween the turntable 23. carriages I16. I17. Conveyor 21. and other parts (e.g.. winding shoes) will now be described. With initial reference to FIGS. I, 6. 4 and 8. it will be understood that the exemplified turntable 23 is provided with a total of four core accommodating re gions each having core supporting means that are embodied as pins I84. Also provided are a pair of lalchcs I41, I42 (best shown in FIG. 4). A total of 16 latches (8 pairs) are provided, with the front pairs of lBlCllcs located relative to the turntable generally as indicated at I45 in FIG. 8 and the pairs of rear latches located as indicated at 143 in FIG. 8.

The front and rear pairs of latches are supported by pairs ofshafts I46 located on either side ofthe two din metrically opposite racks I04. as best shown in FIG. (I. The rear latches are spaced relative to the rear surfact of the turntable 23 as viewed in FIG. 8. so as to aVUttl objectionable frictional contact therewith. The front pairs of latches are spaced from the turntable a dis tance to accommodate a maximum stack height of a core to be accommodated by the turntable 23. Then. with a core supported by a pin I84 and located adja cent to. e.g.. three pads or points on the turntable. the latches will clear both faces of such core while being opened and closed by shafts 146.

When latches are opened (corresponding to an up ward dwell position of the rack I04 as viewed in Flt; 6). a core may be transferred to a pin I84 adjacen thereto from a first conveyor support such as a pin 17h On the other hand. when the latches are "closed" w represented by the solid outline of the latches I41. I 2 in FIG. 4. a core would impinge against the fttit latches after relatively little movement thereof along pin I84.

The winding shoes I49, 151 that may be utilized in conjunction with the latches for assisting in the development of a winding will be best appreciated by referring to FIGS. 1, 8, I and 11. It should first be noted that the shoes 149 and 151 are substantially identical with the exception that pins 152 with springs retained thereon are carried by shoes 151 for disposition in pin receiving passages [53 of the shoes 149.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 1 and 10, the

winding shoe I49 includes a body 150 having a latchreceiving slot 154 formed therein. a spring well 157 and a recess 158 formed therein. The recess 158 is formed lo receive a latch releasing button 159 of a spring biased latching mechanism bar 161 (bar 161 being best revealed in FIG. 11). The spring 162 normally urges the latching bar 161 in a direction such that a stop screw or pin I63 carried thereby abuts an end wall of the notch 156 in shoe 149 as shown in FIG. 10.

The latching bar 161 is maintained in an assembled relationship with the body of the shoe 149 by a strap I66 (removably secured to show 149) and the surface 16-1 that bear against congruently contoured surfaces of the shoe 149.

As will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, the winding shoe 149 may be interlocked with a latch (141 or 142) due to the interlocking engagement between the latching projections 167, 168 of the latches (see FIG. 4) and the restricted portion 169 of the-latch receiving slot 171 formed in the bar 161 (see FIG. 11). In addition, the winding shoe 149 is in the phantom line position thereof as viewed in FIG. 10. In this latter condition, a lip 192 or 193 of a latch 172, 174 (under the action of a compression spring 194 fastened at each end to the latches) respectively would hook onto strap 166, assuming ofcourse the withdrawal of latches 141, 142 from the winding shoe. Similar selective latching arrangements are utilized to selectively latch the winding shoes 149, and further detailed description thereof would therefore be redundant.

Turning now once again to FIG. 8, the parts shown therein are in the relative position that they would assume just as a wound core (the core being denoted by the numeral 147) was being transferred to the pin 176 on conveyor 21 from the pin 182 of carriage 117, it bCll'tg noted that holes 183 in the cores receive such pins. At this time, a catch 177 on a core ejector 178 has jtlSI been released from the head of a screw 179 secured to the carriage 117, and the ejector 178 is being returned to a position against carriage 116 under the action of a tension spring 179. As the ejector I78 and ejector plate 181 return to the home or rest position thereof, the conveyor 21 may be manually moved to the phantom line position thereof as depicted in FIG. ti. .1 wound core removed from the pin I76 and an unwound core positioned on the pin I76.

Thereafter the conveyor 21 is moved to the solid line osition thereof as depicted in FIG. 8, so as to position a hole 183 of an unwound core (e.g., core 147) in the path of travelof the pin 182 on carriage 117. Then, upon depression of the start buttons 48 (see FIG. 1), the carriage 117 moves the pin 182 into the hole 183 and conveys the core onto the pin 184 of turntable 23. During this time. latches at the transfer location (shown in FIG. 8) are open and the carriages move at least part 500, 501 of the shoes 149, 151 through the bore of the core. Then, while the carriages 116, I17 dwell adjacent the turntable or turret .23, the latches I41. I42 close and disengage latches 173,174ton both of the carriages) from straps 166 on all of the winding shoes in the transfer location. Thereafter, the carriages move from the turret to clear the same for an index thereof, such index causing the unwound cores to be transported to the winding station. Although the unwound cores can undergo limited axial movement relative to the latches I41, 142 and shoes I49, 151, such movement (as well as "rocking movement that would be permitted due to clearances between the shoes I49, 151 and bore of the core) does not deleteriously affect the formation ofwinding coils at the winding station. in order to avoid the possibility of confusion, it should he noted at this point that a total of 8 (eight) winding shoes 151 and 8 (eight) winding shoes 149 are preferably used with the apparatus 20.

As the rear carriage 116 is moved toward the rear face of the turntable 23, the ejector plates 181 are moved thereby toward the turntable against the bias of spring 179. The ejector 178, however, will not be secured to the carriage 117 because the catch 177 will at that time be held in a nonlatching position by the action of a plunger 186 that normally biases the catch about pivot 187 (see FIG. 9) against the boas of spring 188. This is accomplished by the action of a tab or flag on a cam follower (e.g., the cam follower on shaft 0) that is operable through a suitable linkage to hold the plunger 186 against the catch 177 at all times except during that portion of a cycle when it is desired to transfer wound cores from the turret 23.

The manner in which latches 141, 1412 are locked to the winding shoes will be best understood by again referrihg to FIGS. 10 and 11. For example, while winding shoe 149 is held by latch 173 on carriage 117, the plunger 191 on the carriage 117 will be bearing against button 159 to hold the spring 162 compressed. At this time the winding shoe 149 is in a position, relative to the carriage 117 (as represented in FIG. 10) as shown by the phantom line outline thereof. Also, enlarged slot 198 in bar 161 will be aligned with slot I54 in shoe I50. However as latch 141 enters slots I54 and 198, it pivots latch I73 away from strap 166 about pivot due to impingement against surface 199. Then, as carriage 117 moves away from turret 143, the button 159 is released, bar 161 moves relative to shoe 149, and the walls of small slot 169 trap the projections I67, 168 of the latch 141. Of course, when it is desired to remove the winding shoes from latches 141, 142, the sequence just described is reversed. A portion of a core 147 is also shown, in phantom, in FIG. 10 to indicate the positional relationship of such core and a winding shoe. This relationship is also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

When removing wound cores from turret 23, the winding shoes are again latched to the shuttle conveyors. plunger 186 on ejector 178 is released (as shown in FIG. 9), and ejector 1781s moved with carriage 117 so as to transfer a wound core successively to pin 182 and pin 176(see FIG. 8). Thereupon. tab 203 on catch 177 strikes an abutment 204 supported by the frame of the apparatus 20, and catch 177 is released from the head of screw 179.

After a winding cycle is completed, lead wires are defined, severed, and anchored. This thert is followed by an index of turret 23 as previously described.

A preferred means and method of pulling terminal lead wires (as well as'tap lead wires when wanted) will now be presented with reference to H08. 12 and 1-3.

With reference first to FIG. 12. the winding nozzles (iii. 69 are depicted schematically with the winding nozzlc tubes 2i l. 212 broken away for clarity to reveal the strands of wire 2l6-2l9 accommodated thereby. Wound cores remaining at the winding station of the apparatus just prior to the formation of lead wires have been schematically depicted in phantom at 22l and immediately upon completion ofa winding cycle. the wires 216. 219 would extend front tlte retracted winding nozzles to a wound core assembly as illustrated. Also. the wires 2l7. 218 would extend as illustrated in phantom at 217a. 218a. At this point it will be noted that. for purposes ofdiscussion and illustration. the formation of lead wires from strands 216. 219 will be ignoretl. However. in actual practice. the method and apparatus now to be described is substantially duplicated in order to establish lead wires from all four ofthe wire strands 216-219.

For example. in the apparatus 20. two wire pulling devices are actually provided. a first one ofwhich is actuated by pneumatic cylinder 223 (see FIG. 2) and a second one of which is actuated by pneumatic cylinder 224 (see FIG. 3). Similarly. four cutting and clamping heads have been utilized with the apparatus 20. two of which are actuated by a common shaft connected to the pneumatic cylinder 226 (see FIG. 2) and the other two of which are actuated through a common shaft by the pneumatic cylinder 227 (see FIG. 3). However. only one cutting and clamping head 228 will be described in detail. reference now again being made to FIGS. 13 and 12.

At the end ofa winding cycle. the winding nozzles 68. 69 move to a dwell or stopped position relative to the cores 221. 222 as illustrated in FIG. 12. At this time. the lead puller assembly 229 is advanced along a substantially straight line in the direction of the arrow 23l (by the cylinder 223 mentioned above) until the lead ing edges 232 of hooks 233 have moved across the wire strands disposed along the phantom lines 217a. 218a. Each of the arms 235 are pivotally supported by the puller support 234 and are biased to the position illustrated by relatively soft coil springs 236. Thus. as the leaning edges 232 engage the wire strands. the hooks ride across such strands with the springs 236 permitting and causing a pivoting and latching motion of the arms 235 about the pivots 237. Thereafter, the lead puller 229 is moved in the direction of the arrow 238 to the hornc" position thereof. At this time. a first strand of wire will extend along the lines 239 and 243 and a second strand of wire will extend along the lines 242 and HI. and substantially immediately both strands will be severed and clamped. This provides a free lead wire of a predetermined length for each of the wound core assembl'tes 221 and 222. However. the strands ofwire ex tending from the nozzles toward the lead pullers will be held clamped until a subsequent winding cycle has been initiated and thereby provide lead wires for the winding coils de clopcd in such subsequent cycle.

With reference now to FIG. [3. the mechanism 228 includes a body 24] supported for pivotal movement about a shaft 245 that is keyed thereto and to another mechanism substantially identical to mechanism 228. The shaft 245 is supported by a frame of apparatus 20.

It will be observed that an adjustable slop screw 243 is provided for the purpose of limiting rocking movement ofthe mechanism 228 about the shaft 245 in the direction of the arrow 244. This limit of movement is caused when the screw 243 impinges upon the surface 246 ofa fixed abutment which also may be secured to or be in fact part ofthe frame of the apparatus 20. For convenience. the member 300 (provided with abutment surface 246) also includes a seat for receiving a compression spring 247 which is compressed when a force is applied in the direction of the arrows 248 (by cylinder 223) to the rod 249.

Spring 247 is compressed by the action of linkage 25l against a pin 252 carried in the body 24l and the resultant pivotal movement of body 24] about the axis of shaft 245 (in the direction of arrow 305). ln this condition. the stop screw 243 is spaced from the abutment surface 246. in addition. the jaw region 254 is spaced slightly from the path of wire strand 239 (see FlG. 12 i.

When it is desired to sever and clamp the strand 239. the rod 249 is moved in a direction of arrow 310 and the compressed spring 247 expands. rocking the mechanism 228 in the direction of arrow 244. This rocking movement continues until the stop 243 engages the abutment surface 246. At the end of this time. the jaw region 254 will have moved in an arc and intercepted the wire strand 239. The continuous movement of the rod 249 therefore causes the link 25] to move from the stop pin 252 and effect rotation of a shaft 256 relative to the body 24] (in the direction of arrow 257).

As this occurs. a cutting bar 258 (constrained to move with the shaft 256) scvers the wire strand 239 between the cutting edge 259 of the bar 258 and the cutter surface 26L At the same time that the strand 239 is being severed. the end ofthe strand toward the winding nozzle 68 is trapped between clamping surfaces of the bar 258 and clamping bar 26].

In the case of a relatively small diameter wire the wire is trapped between the surface 262 and the surface 263 ofthe 26l (it being noted that the bar 26l is biased toward a clamping condition by compression spring 264 and free to move relative to shaft 256). On the other hand. if a relatively large diameter wire is being clamped. it is trapped between the radiused surfaces 266 and 267 of the bars 258. 261 respectively.

When it is desired to release the wire clamped between the bars 258 and 261. the rod 249 is once again moved in the direction of the arrow 248 to thereby open the clamping jaws of the mechanism 228 and again rock the mechanism 228 to the position shown in FIG. 14.

"As previously mentioned, the shafts 242 and 256 extend from the assembly 228. This is done so that a mechanism substantially identical to the mechanism 228 but spaced therefrom may be actuated simulta neously with and by means of the same power source as the mechanism 228 in order to sever and clamp the wire stsrand 242. lt should also be understood that adherent material will be applied to all four lead wires so as to anchor them to the wound core assemblies ML 222.

From the foregoing description of the improved apparatus and methods for handling wound and unwound cores, handling and assembling winding shoes; and generating winding turns adjacent winding accommodating surfaces of a magnetic core. it will be apparent that electromagnetic devices may be manufactured with in creased efficiency and at a decreased cost to provide an improved product. Moreover. the appratus can be easily and readily adjusted to accommodate cores having different stack heights, different numbers of winding coil turns and a variable number of lead and tap wires by eg. regulating the stroke of parts of the drive mechanisms; changing readily accessible cams, and setting mechanical and/or electrical counters.

Furthermore different sizes of wires may be used without modification of the apparatus described hereinabove', and a high degree of adaptability is provided due to the utilization of apparatus as either a fully automated piece of equipment or with varying degrees of automation.

While I have described preferred inventive embodiments, it will be readily apparent and obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention. it is, therefore, intended in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifictions that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is.

l. A method of establishing a winding lead wire. for a winding supported on each of two spaced apart stator cores. form a stationary strand of wire extending from each winding to a winding gun nozzle; the method comprising the steps of advancing lead puller means and interccpting a strand of stationary wire extending from each winding to a winding gun nozzle; retracting the lead puller means and pulling the strands so intercepted in a common direction away from the intercept point for each strand and establishing at least two distinct segments for each intercepted strand with one segment of each strand extending from a winding gun nozzle to a preselected part of the strand and with a second segment of each strand extending from a core winding to the preselected part of the strand; clamping the first segment of each strand and severing each strand between the second segment thereof and the clamped portion of the first segment thereof; and moving the spaced apart cores away from the winding gun nozzles with the second strand segments associated therewith established as a winding lead wire.

2. The method of claim I wherein clamping and severing includes the step of intercepting the first segment of each of the strands and trapping the portions of the first segments so intercepted between oppositely facing surfaces of a clamping and severing mechanism.

3. The method of claim 1 further including anchoring the second segments of each strand to an associated core winding by dripping flowable adherent material onto said second segments and at least a portion of the core winding associated therewith. i O I i 

1. A method of establishing a winding lead wire, for a winding supported on each of two spaced apart stator cores, form a stationary strand of wire extending from each winding to a winding gun nozzle; the method comprising the steps of advancing lead puller means and intercepting a strand of stationary wire extending from each winding to a winding gun nozzle; retracting the lead puller means and pulling the strands so intercepted in a common direction away from the intercept point for each strand and establishing at least two distinct segments for each intercepted strand with one segment of each strand extending from a winding gun nozzle to a preselected part of the strand and with a second segment of each strand extending from a core winding to the preselected part of the strand; clamping the first segment of each strand and severing each strand between the second segment thereof and the clamped portion of the first segment thereof; and moving the spaced apart cores away from the winding gun nozzles with the second strand segments aSsociated therewith established as a winding lead wire.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein clamping and severing includes the step of intercepting the first segment of each of the strands and trapping the portions of the first segments so intercepted between oppositely facing surfaces of a clamping and severing mechanism.
 3. The method of claim 1 further including anchoring the second segments of each strand to an associated core winding by dripping flowable adherent material onto said second segments and at least a portion of the core winding associated therewith. 